Raja yoga is one of the best ways to experience truth. No truth is realized until and unless you experience it. To know the truth the human mind must agree to the change it has to go through. The experience might be harrowing depending on your readiness but once you gain the knowledge you can rid yourself of the vices of ignorance.
Raja yoga offers you the opportunity to search for experience and knowledge. It includes all sorts of yoga which we practice today i.e. Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, Kundalini and many other forms of yoga and meditation. It includes asanas, breathing patterns and meditation to achieve the ultimate path i.e. the union or “yoga”.
There is an interesting story amongst historians about how Raja Yoga got its name. Royalty has been an important part of yoga for thousands of years. This feeling and experience of the King (Raja) can be associated with Raja yoga. Another explanation is that the subtle life energy always moves in a human body whenever he/she practices yoga. Remarkably, yogis consider pranas as energy that is responsible to unite the universe.
Raja yoga mainly deals with the cultivation of mind using the process of meditation to meet with reality and finally liberation. Your mind or the psyche is considered the king of your entire physical structure. Self discipline is the key component to control and purify a human mind. A strong blend of physical and emotional health is necessary to delve deeper into this form of yoga.
This state of mind and body is not child’s play. ‘Man is a social animal’; man has all the addictions and bad habits that can prevent the focus required in meditation. Celibacy and abstention from all the intoxicants and love towards your mind, body and speech are the most important factors before you can sit and meditate. To cut it short, discipline is synonymous with Yoga.
A short history
Raja yoga was first mentioned in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and it was a component of the Samkhya tradition. According to Hindu philosophy, Raja yoga is identified as simple Yoga. It is a part of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy. This term later depicted the form of meditation practiced by Brahma Kumaris. Surprisingly, it is also known as Ashtanga or the eight-limbed yoga. The reason being that it relates to the practice of the following:
- Yama
- Niyama
- Asana
- Pranayama
- Pratyahara
- Dharana
- Dhyana
- Samadhi
Practicing Raja Yoga Postures
Pranayama: Pranayama is a control of your breath. There are various breathing exercises that not only cleanses you but also helps you recover from any ailment that had bothering you for long. One way of performing is by breathing deep with both nostrils open. Next you can close the left nostril with your left thumb and breath through your right nostril. Repeat with left nostril.
This practice is termed as Anulam vilom.
Samadhi: This is a state of meditation. All you need to do is sit in ardha padmasana posture and breathe deep while focusing. This increasing your mental strength and helps you relax both your body and mind.
Read about different other forms of Yoga popular in India >>
